Racing News (11780)
Racing News from around the World
Howie DiSavino III to Drive for Win-Tron Racing in NASCAR’s Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series
21 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffIt’s about to get busy for Howie DiSavino, III, in 2020. After several starts with Mooresville, N.C.-based Win-Tron Racing in 2019, the team is announcing DiSavino is signing on to pilot the team’s NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) entry. DiSavino’s truck series debut will be at Richmond Raceway, his home track, on Saturday, April 18, 2020, as well as, other select NGOTS and ARCA Menards Series races. The deal will also feature two new Virginia-based partners for DiSavino, KEES Travel™ and Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric.
Howie DiSavino III
"Everyone at Win-Tron Racing is very excited to have Howie back behind the wheel. From the time he first jumped in the #32 ARCA car at Elko, MN, we could see that Howie is a smart and intelligent driver. He is a quick learner and a respectful young man with a huge future in front of him. We are proud to be a part of that future. Howie is a rising star, and we are truly looking forward to working with him and his partners again!" said Kevin Cywinsky, owner of Win-Tron Racing and former American Speed Association Champion.
Having local partners join on for the season makes DiSavino’s debut even more special, “It feels amazing to show pride in my Virginia partnerships and show racing fans what KEES Travel™ and Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric have to offer. My partners have made my dream a reality, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them.”
“It also means the world to me to be able to make my NASCAR debut in my hometown at Richmond Raceway. I started racing at Southside Speedway and Dominion. Through all of those races, I knew it was my dream to make it to NASCAR. Now it’s starting to sink in. I’m especially thankful for the support of my family. I know I’ll be making them proud,” said DiSavino of his NASCAR opportunity.
On the ARCA front, DiSavino has set a goal of top-10 finishes and sees the truck starts as a way to hone his skills and continue to learn about racing in NASCAR’s higher-level series. He knows that working with a team he already has a relationship with will help him in his transition, “I love the guys at Win-Tron and the way we work together. It will be a great year running with them on the ARCA side and the truck side. Working with PMG and Win-Tron, I have learned so much, and I want to continue to keep learning with them behind me.”
During the off-season, DiSavino has been busy keeping his skills sharp through simulation racing and staying active in the gym to be physically ready for this new level of racing. Yet, he views his biggest work as fostering relationships with new partners, who will be able to experience a new level of exposure and access to a larger group of potential customers.
“I couldn’t be happier with the new partnership with Howie DiSavino, III, and the opportunities surrounding the relationship. There are few things more important to our company than the KEES brand. We feel Howie represents that brand and our values well,” said Jeremy Grogg, RRP, CHA, President of KEES Vacations.
Robert W. Nelson, Owner/CEO of Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric echoed Grogg’s excitement on the new partnership with DiSavino, “When the option to partner with HDIII Racing became available, it was a no-brainer. Anytime I have the opportunity to get my people excited and demonstrate pride in my company and its direction with community involvement, I'm doing it. It’s great to be sharing support for HDIII Racing within other top-notch companies. I've known the DiSavino family for 2 decades and hold them in the highest regard. Howie is a shining example of focus and drive. It's refreshing to see these qualities in a person his age. 2020 is going to be a great year for everyone involved.”
With a seat on a competitive team and dedicated partners, DiSavino is set to make an impact in the 2020 racing season but is keeping his definition of success simple, “A successful season is just to compete with the racers up front and to come home with the car or truck in one piece. I strongly believe we will have a great season with my team, partners and family. I want to focus on getting better and learning, my ultimate measure of success in 2020.”
Before getting behind the wheel of the truck, DiSavino’s first race will be in Win-Tron’s No. 32 ARCA Menards Series entry at Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, Az.) on March 6.
Win Tron Racing PR
Modified ace Chuck Hossfeld unretires to race in A.C. Indoor races Jan. 31 and Feb. 1
20 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffJust months after formally announcing his retirement from racing, Ransomville, NY asphalt Modified ace Chuck Hossfeld has become the latest TQ (Three Quarter) Midget entrant in the NAPA Know How Indoor Auto Racing Series events inside Atlantic City, NJ’s famed Boardwalk Hall.
“When I made the announcement to retire I could not believe the attention I got,” said Hossfeld, “It has been very flattering and it is something that I will never forget.”
He won’t have to.
When the Indoor Auto Racing VP Series storms into Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, Hossfeld will buckle up behind the wheel of Joe Brainard’s No. 98 Tim Nye-built TQ Midget.
It will be the first ever Indoor Auto Racing Series start for Hossfeld, whose racing legacy includes four Race Of Champions Modified Touring Series titles achieved 21 years apart (1997, 2011, 2014, and 2018), His last RoC Series win came this past summer, in July, at Lancaster, NY Speedway.
Hossfeld finished second once and third twice in the points on the on NASCAR Whelen Modified Touring Series on the strength of seven career wins.
He also has made ten career NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck starts between 2000 and 2001 driving for Jack Roush with one top ten finish.
Andy Jankowiak, Ryan Flores and Erick Rudolph, the last three winners of the headline Gambler’s Classic TQ Midget races in the building come to Atlantic City are pre-race favorites.
‘Andy J’ of Buffalo, N.Y. still savors his 2019 Gambler’s Classic win as the highlight of his driving career and he wants nothing more to do it again.
After two rounds of Indoor Auto Racing Series action fueled by VP Racing Fuels, Matt Janisch is the current leader in the Championship standings. Janisch, of Nazareth, PA, had Allentown finishes of third and seventh.
Janisch leads upstate New York dirt Modified driver Ryan Bartlett in the TQ points heading into Atlantic City by ten points. Bartlett made his first start behind the wheel of a new-to-him Lafler built TQ Midget.
Allentown, Pa. opener winner Erick Rudolph is third, 17 markers out of first and Briggs Danner is fourth, 20 points out of the lead. Jankiowiak completes the top five, 24 points out of first.
Jeremy Haudricourt, Shawn Nye, Tim Buckwalter, Ryan Flores, who also won in Allentown, and Anthony Payne are sixth through tenth.
The wild and crazy Slingshots and darty Champ Karts will make up the tripleheader program as they have in the past.
Dylan Hoch and Tyler Brown, winners of the Allentown Indoor opening races in Slingshot and Champ Kart action, are atop their point standings heading into Atlantic City.
Danny Buccafusca is the reigning Atlantic City Indoor Slingshot race winner and Doug Stearly was the 2019 Champ Kart Atlantic City race winner. Both are entered in this year’s races.
Racing action begins on Friday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday action getting the green flag at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 on Friday night. On Saturday doors open at 5 p.m. with fans holding reserved tickets given the opportunity to attend Fan Fest on the speedway. All cars competing in the program will be positioned on the speedway and drivers made available for autographs until 6:30.
Following the BELFOR “Concrete Series” event in Atlantic City, a special non-point event will be held on a banked clay oval. The third annual East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals will again be held at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, N.J. on Friday and Saturday nights February 21st and 22nd featuring nearly 100 wingless 600cc Sprints.
The “Concrete Series” season finale follows on Friday and Saturday March 13th and 14th in a second year return to the brand new Expo Center located on the grounds of the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. N.Y.
Tickets are currently available in a range of different prices for all the Indoor Series events through links on www.indoorautoracing.com and the different venue box offices.
Lower level reserved seats for Saturday night in Atlantic City, which will gain attendees access to the coveted Fanfest are nearly sold out, but plenty of additional tickets are still available.
Corporate sponsorship at a variety of levels is available for all remaining events. Interested parties should contact Danny Sammons at 609-888-3618 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Indoor Auto Racing PR
Shayna Texter Signs a Two-Year Contract Extension with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team
20 Jan 2020 Written by Adam SinclairKTM Motorsports is pleased to announce that 18-time AFT Singles winner Shayna Texter has signed a two-year contract extension with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team to compete in the American Flat Track AFT Singles class through the 2021 season.
Texter, a Pennsylvania native, will return aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, a bike that led her to three AFT Singles Main Event wins last season. As a part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team’s debut season in 2019, Texter has been an integral part of the brand’s testing and development in American Flat Track racing. Finishing seventh overall in the series last season, Texter will look to improve her standing and go after even more race-wins in 2020.
Shayna Texter: “It’s an honor to be continuing my relationship with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. They have created a culture of winning that I am happy to be a part of. We learned so much together last season with the new team and we won three races together, but now we turn our attention toward 2020 with new goals that I look forward to accomplishing on a Red Bull KTM.”
Team Manager, Chris Fillmore: “We are very happy to have Shayna continue with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team for another two years. She has proven that she can dominate on some of the most demanding circuits and also does a wonderful job representing herself, the team and the sport off the track. Starting a brand-new team can be an adjustment for everyone but we learned a lot through last season and going forward we’ll be better prepared, so this is a very motivating and exciting thing to be able to continue to work and grow with a rider like Shayna!”
Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader - DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT - at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.
For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.
To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.
Josh Williams Motorsports looking for funded driver for ARCA season opener
20 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest Staff|
Following a successful ARCA Menards Series test session this past weekend at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Josh William Motorsports (JWM) is hoping to return to competition this season beginning with next month’s season-opening Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire on Sat., Feb. 8, 2020.
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Ryan Rackley will be visiting a familiar place when he makes his pro late model debut later this month.
Three days of motorsports events, contests and business transactions came to a close at 4:00 PM Sunday, January 19 when the 36th Pioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports 2020 Race Car & Trade Show came to a close at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. The show, which had taken two-and-a-half days to build was 90% 'out the door' less than two hours afterward.
Three Sunday competitions featured racing's youth. Crowned Little Ms. Motorsports (ages 8-11) was Madison Hilfiger, 11, of Cresco, PA. She is the daughter of Orange County Fair Speedway 2019 Sportsman champion Grant Hilfiger. Carlyn Singletori, 9 of Aston, PA and Linley Dewease, 10 of Waynesboro, PA were first and second runners up.
Crowned Tiny Ms. Motorsports (ages 4-7) was Zoey Klanold, 7 of Mt. Wolfe, PA. Andy Biever and Hayden Price were runner-ups.
Three age groups of Big Wheel Races were also featured. Kaleb Ambrose, Andy Bieber, and Gavin Thompson were the top three in the ages 3-4 bracket, Ryan Valadez, Bryce Pratt and Tyler Jones were the top three in the 5-6 bracket and Jayde Pratt, Paulie Hartwig and Landon McNeil were the top three in the 7-8 age group.
Exhibitors reported increased booth traffic and sales Sunday. ASI Sportswear and Behrent's Speed Performance Warehouse were observed writing apparel orders and filling last minute parts orders respectively right at the 4 PM show closing time.
Len Sammons Motorsports Productions has established Friday through Sunday, January 15-17, 2021 as the dates for the 37th annual event to be held once again at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.
AARN PR
American Flat Track Announces Roster for 2020 AFT SuperTwins Competition
19 Jan 2020 Written by Adam SinclairAmerican Flat Track is pleased to announce its list of teams and riders for the inaugural year of AFT SuperTwins competition.
The most recent evolution in its revitalization of the sport of professional flat track, the AFT SuperTwins class represents a unity of the elite teams and most-skilled athletes who compete at every round of AFT competition.
At every event eighteen of the top riders in the sport will grid up for the AFT SuperTwins Main Event, allowing fans to closely follow their favorite athletes week after week.
The list of teams selected for competition in the 2020 AFT SuperTwins class is as follows:
- BriggsAuto.com Racing - Davis Fisher - #67 Indian FTR750
- Coolbeth-Nila Racing - Sammy Halbert - #69 Indian FTR750
- Estenson Racing - JD Beach - #95 Yamaha MT-07 DT
- Estenson Racing - Kolby Carlile - #36 Yamaha MT-07 DT
- Harley-Davidson / Vance & Hines - Dalton Gauthier - #79 Harley-Davidson XG750R
- Harley-Davidson / Vance & Hines - Jarod Vanderkooi - #20 Harley-Davidson XG750R
- HCRR Racing / Ben Evans Racing - Jay Maloney - #12 Indian FTR750
- HCRR Racing / Ben Evans Racing - Brandon Robinson - #44 Indian FTR750
- Indian Motorcycle - Briar Bauman - #1 Indian FTR750
- Indian Motorcycle - Bronson Bauman - #37 Indian FTR750
- Indian Motorcycle / Rogers Racing - Jared Mees - #9 Indian FTR750
- RJ Performance Racing - Robert Pearson - #27 Indian FTR750
- Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas - Dan Bromley - #62 Indian FTR750
- Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas - Brandon Price - #92 Indian FTR750
- Vance & Hines / Howerton Motorsports - Bryan Smith - #4 Harley-Davidson XG750R
The following teams have been approved as Wildcard Teams for 2020 competition. A limited number of entries remain. For more information on entering as a Wildcard Team, visit www.amaproracing.com.
16. Happy Trail Racing - Jeffrey Carver, Jr. - #23 Indian FTR750
17. Larry Pegram Racing - Larry Pegram - #72 Indian FTR750
18. Rackley Keeran Racing - Andrew Luker - #11 Indian FTR750
Tickets for the debut of AFT SuperTwins competition and the first-ever Bike Week Saturday of Speed doubleheader - DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT - at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.
For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.
To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.
Latus Motors Racing is set to return to the American Flat Track scene in a major way with the announcement the team has signed James “The Rocket” Rispoli to contest the 2020 AFT Production Twins championship aboard a Harley-Davidson XG750R.
The development represents a dream pairing of a versatile rider with a versatile team who have independently enjoyed monumental success across multiple disciplines of two-wheeled sport.
28-year-old Rispoli is coming off an impressive 2019 season in which he seamlessly returned to his dirt track roots following a decade chasing roadracing wins and championships on both sides of the Atlantic.
Last season, Rispoli scored four podiums in AFT Production Twins action, ultimately finishing sixth in the championship, despite missing the opening round of the title fight. The performance served as a strong reminder of the fan favorite’s natural flat track skills, which he’d previously leveraged to take second overall in the 2009 AFT Singles standings.
Gladstone, Oregon-based Latus Motors Racing has a long association with American Flat Track racing. In the mid-2000s, Latus Motors garnered numerous race wins and top-three championship finishes while serving as the title sponsor for the 2000 Grand National Champion Joe Kopp. Subsequently, Latus and Kopp formed an inhouse Triumph-based effort that finished on the podium in the premier class of American Flat Track racing as recently as 2015.
Like Rispoli, Latus Motors Racing branched out into other forms of motorcycle sport to remarkable results. The team established itself a serious contender on multiple makes and in multiple series, including taking a dramatic triumph in the prestigious DAYTONA 200 in 2011.
Team owner George Latus, said, “I was involved in flat track for a lot of years, and more recently we were heavily involved in roadracing. We kind of put a hold on things for a couple of years, but we saw the direction American Flat Track was going, and it’s moving forward in a very positive way. We were looking to get back into it and recognized the potential of the Harley-Davidson XG750R and the Production Twins class as the perfect way to do that.
“I’ve raced against James for many years. He’s got a great attitude, and he’s a terrific competitor. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”
Team Manager Kopp said, “One of the big benefits James brings to our program is the electronics knowledge he gained last year helping Vance & Hines to tune the bikes. The way the sport is going, you have to some comfort playing with that stuff, and he’s definitely on top of that more than just about any rider that I know out there. That’s going to be huge.
“We’re excited. We’re going to come out swinging, and I think we’re going to surprise some people for sure with the Harley out there.”
Rispoli said, “I couldn't be happier with the opportunity to race the XG750R for Latus Motors Racing. My relationship with Mr. Latus goes back a decade when we first discussed the possibility of me riding for his road race team. I've raced against his teams for a long time, so I'm very familiar with exactly how well prepared his team is and how serious they are about winning. I'm also thrilled to be working with Joe. I have a huge amount of respect for him, and I was extremely excited when he gave me a call and told me he was looking forward to working with me too.
“Last year's experience riding and developing the XG750R makes me confident we can fight for wins and the title the 2020. I've reunited with personal trainer Richie Perperian -- who helped me win two AMA Pro SuperSport championships -- to make sure I take maximum advantage of this awesome opportunity. We're already off and rolling.”
Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader - DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT - at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.
For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.
To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.
Cleveland Kidnapping Survivor Amanda Berry's Restored Monte Carlo SS to Debut at the Piston Powered Auto-Rama.
19 Jan 2020 Written by Adam SinclairThe Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama, March 13-15, 2020 at the I-X Center, will debut Amanda Berry’s restored 1986 Monte Carlo SS at this year’s show. This feature car, restored by the students at Max S. Hayes High School under the direction of Greg Boykin, will proudly be displayed on John Shapiro Cruisin’ Time All-Stars on Thunder Row all weekend for an estimated 55,000 attendees to see.
It may just be an ‘86 Monte Carlo SS to most, but this car is more than that to Berry, kidnapping survivor, activist and best-selling author. Berry’s love for cars started as a young girl through a bond she shared with her grandfather and when she was to turn 16, the car would be hers. Unfortunately, this gift sat idle because Berry was kidnapped on April 21, 2003, one day before her birthday.
Seventeen year’s later, Berry no longer has to wait for her dream car because of the dedication and generosity Boykin and his team at Max S. Hayes High School have shown. From the floorboards to the exterior, the students will have spent more than 500 hours refurbishing the ’86 Monte Carlo SS.
“The show has a deep commitment to working with local schools through our Career Day and Hotrodders of Tomorrow programs,” said Steve Legerski, Show Manager. “When Greg from Max S. Hayes brought this project to us, we knew debuting a car like this at the Piston Powered Auto-Rama would be the perfect platform.”
This project goes beyond restoring a classic car. By reviving the life of the Monte Carlo SS, it highlights the goodness of humanity and the memories Berry shared with her late grandfather. The restoration was made possible by Amanda Berry, Axelrod Collision Center, Dollar Bank, Evercoat, Greg Boykin (Auto Repair Collision Instructor), Max S. Hayes High School, Meguiar's, Safelite AutoGlass, Sherwin-Williams and Summit Racing Equipment.
For more information about Amanda Berry's Monte Carlo SS restoration, please visit pistonpowershow.com/amanda-berry. Tune into Fox 8 Cleveland as Berry makes it her own mission to help find those missing in Northeast Ohio.
